ST. PETE RAIDERS

Bringing Soccer to Pinellas County Families Since 1970

I would like to make our membership aware that in a UEFA cup game last week Everton played AZ Alkmaar and won 3-2.Everton used 5 Academy players on the pitch at the same time in this fixture. All of these players came through the “Everton Way” program. This is of course great news for Everton’s first team and further highlights the quality of players coming through the youth system. Everton has now produced 22 players in 16 years for top flight football. This in itself is outstanding. No other club produces such talent. We of course are fortunate to be a part of this unique set up as we move full speed ahead with getting acquainted with our new direction. It's certainly exciting times for the players and coaches at
Everton FL , (St Pete Raiders).

In order for you to stay in tune with what’s going on in the Barclays English Premiership please go to http://www.evertonfc.com/home/ to view the lates news. This will give you all the news on the club and its players. Everton is having an extremely good season so far and are enjoying a good run in the league, winning the Carling cup and also the UEFA Cup! So, there is much to cheer about.

You can also visit www.soccernet.com which will also give a first class overview of the whole world of soccer.

We are due a visit early in 2008 and again in February form Everton personnel. I will be sure to keep you posted as to the exact dates.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a Very Peace filled
Holiday time and look forward to seeing you back on the pitch in the New Year!

Yours in Football!!

Tony Paris Executive Director

Everton Academy players unite in Uefa Cup

Everton’s Academy youngsters, Jack Rodwell and Bjarni Vidarsson made their first team debut in the historic Uefa Cup win over AZ Alkmaar.

At just 16 years of age, Jack Rodwell is the youngest ever player to feature for The Blues in a European competition. An eventful night of football saw Everton end Alkmaar’s 30-year unbeaten home record in the Uefa Cup.

The introduction of Bjarni Vidarsson and Jack Rodwell later in the game saw 5 Academy players on the pitch to help push for the result. First team regulars, Tony Hibbert, James Vaughan and Victor Anichebe made up the other 3 Academy graduates.

The 3-2 victory was clinched by James Vaughan’s 79th minute strike to retain Everton’s 100% winning record in Group A, forcing the Blues to the top of the table with maximum points.

Everton move on to face Norweigan outfit, SK Brann in the knockout stage, with a possibility of meeting Rosenborg or Fiorentina in the last 16.

Jack Rodwell

Jack has beenprogressing well through through the ranks at the Academy and is mature beyond his years. He made his debut for the Under 18s when he was 14-years-old. The defender has represented at Under 16 level and captained his country on numerous occassions. He scored the winning goal for the Young Lions in the 1-0 victory over at Wembley. In December 2007, Jack made history by becoming the youngest senior player to play in
Europe for Everton at the age of 16 years and 284 days when he featured as a substitute against AZ Alkmaar. Rodwell became the third youngest senior player of all-time behind James Vaughan and Joe Royle.